Sending care packages to inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is made easy by utilizing the TDCJ supplied list of approved vendors. Before getting started, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations for sending care packages to TDCJ inmates.
The most important thing to remember is all items must be purchased from an approved vendor, who also provide mailing supplies such as packaging tape and boxes. The vendor will also assist in making sure all items are suitable for mailing in accordance with TDCJ’s regulations. In some cases, packages that violate any of these guidelines may be rejected upon delivery and returned to sender at the sender’s expense.
It is also important to check that any items being sent meet the needs and policies of each specific prison unit; you can find this information on TDCJ’s website or through their designated list of approved vendors. Items excluded from delivery are those considered contraband such as food items not approved by TDCJ and any products containing images or text deemed inappropriate for inmates or prison staff view. Some cosmetics such as nail polish, gels, and aerosols can also not be sent through USPS mail unless sent via approved vendors who use special packaging and labeling protocol mandated by TDCJ regulations.
What items are allowed in a care package
TDCJ inmates are allowed to receive care packages from family and friends. These packages may contain any combination of approved items such as food, electronics, clothing, and hygiene products. Care packages are subject to strict restrictions and must adhere to the TDCJ’s rules and regulations. Let’s take a look at what items are allowed and prohibited in care packages.
Clothing
Clothing is one of the most common items sent in care packages to incarcerated individuals. However, it is important to be aware of any restrictions a given correctional facility has when sending clothing items. Generally speaking, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) allows inmates to be sent clothing such as shirts, pants, shorts, sweatpants and outer jackets that are in compliance with the following guidelines.
Clothing should not:
-exceed acceptable length or size limitations
-contain offensive logos or language
-include prohibited striping patterns
-be colored white made from corduroy material
-have drawstrings at the waist or neck area
-have any military insignia on them
Furthermore, all clothing must be sent in its original retail packaging which should list size and type of materials used (e.g., 100 percent cotton). It is also strongly recommended that you include a copy of the official departmental policy regarding personal property when sending clothing items in the mail to an inmate at TDCJ.
Hygiene and Grooming Products
Personal hygiene and grooming products are acceptable items to include in your care package for an inmate of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). These products include items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, brushes, shaving cream and razors. You may also add shampoo, soap and body wash, as well as deodorant. However, these items must be commercially produced and must not contain alcohol or other prohibited substances. In addition, handmade soaps that contain oils such as peppermint or tea tree oil are not permitted.
Books and Magazines
Books and magazines should be new and come directly from a book or magazine publisher. Each must be sent separately and the full return address of both sender and publisher must be written on the package. If sent by an individual, books, magazines and other publications may not exceed five pounds in weight. The mailing address for publications is:
[Inmate’s Name]
[TDCJ Number]
[Facility Name]
Publications PO Box 99
Huntsville, TX 77342-0099
Electronics
When it comes to care packages for TDCJ inmates, electronics such as radios and MP3 players are allowed, however there are some restrictions. These items must be from an approved vendor and the MP3 player must not have Bluetooth capability. Furthermore, many of these devices come with rechargeable batteries that need to be replaced regularly; inmates must order such batteries separately from approved sources. Electronic devices and batteries will be checked by corrections staff upon delivery. No recording devices or computers of any sort are permitted.
Food
Food items must still adhere to the standards of appropriate care package items, such as no homemade food (other than pre-packaged baked goods), no alcoholic beverages, and nothing that could be seen as potentially harmful. Generally speaking, any pre-packaged food item can be sent to an inmate in a care package.
Examples would include:
-Snack bars
-Canned meals
-Chips and snack foods
-Condiments
-Instant coffee and tea
-Fruit juices
-Powdered drink mixes
-Mints or gum
As with any items sent to inmates on TDCJ facilities, all food should be enclosed in its original packaging, unopened/unused, sealed/ untouched. All items should also have expiration dates listed nearby which are valid for at least 6 months from the time of delivery.
Other Items
In addition to food items, an inmate may receive magazines, books (which must be sent directly from the publisher or retailer), used clothing and blankets, religious texts, and allowable personal hygiene items. Generally speaking, acceptable care package items are limited to those that will not put staff or other inmates in danger.
Most care package providers have specific guidelines as to which brands and sizes of these types of products are allowed. Commonly allowed items include:
– Newspaper/magazines
– Books (from publisher or retailer only)
– Used clothes/blankets
– Religious texts
– Personal hygiene items (no aerosols, hair attachments/bows, etc.)
– CD Music Discs for use with approved music players
– CD Players approved by the institution
– Unisex watches with built in alarms only
– Handkerchiefs and bandanas
In some cases packages may also contain stamp books or postcards, but this is subject to the policy of each individual jail. Be sure to check prior to sending any items.
How to Send a Care Package
Sending a care package to a TDCJ inmate is a great way to show your support. It’s a great gesture to let them know that someone out there cares about them. In this article, you’ll find information about what can be sent in a care package and how to go about sending one. We’ll also cover the necessary precautions you need to take to ensure that your package gets to the inmate without any issues.
Choose a Vendor
When it comes to sending a care package to an inmate housed in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations. The facilities across the state utilize several third-party vendors to process incoming care packages. All vendors are carefully evaluated before they are approved and can only offer items that are permissible within TDCJ.
Below is a list of third-party vendors authorized by TDCJ:
-Union Supply Direct
-JP Raymond Enterprises/ Gifts To Remember / GTOAmerica
-Access Securpak
-Care A Lot Packages
It is important to note that each vendor specializes in different types of packages and may feature pricing structures unique from other vendors. Before choosing a vendor, it’s important to consider the types of items you would like to include in your care package, such as clothing, food, snacks or hygiene products. Additionally, each vendor has their own terms and conditions for ordering a care package so be sure to read through all policies carefully before placing an order.
Create an Account
If you are sending a care package to an inmate in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), you will need to create an account with a third-party vendor. Several companies serve TDCJ and have been authorized by the prison system to send care packages. Before creating an account, determine which company works with the specific unit that has your desired recipient.
Once you choose a vendor, create an account on their website. You’ll need to provide your personal information, payment details, and the prisoner’s full name and TDCJ number. As each company has its own regulations regarding what may be sent in a care package, be sure to evaluate those regulations before you proceed with the purchase. Restrictions may include items that contain pork products, alcoholic beverages or unauthorized publications and imprints.
Select the Items to Include
When sending a care package to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) inmate, it is important to make sure that all items included are approved by the TDCJ. Unauthorized items may create a security risk and will likely be confiscated. All care packages must also follow size restrictions, with maximum weight limits per item and maximum overall dimensions.
Care packages can contain gifts and necessary items including clothing, foods, electronics, toiletries and books or magazines. Clothing must always meet the TDCJ standards for material (no metal studs or securing devices) and size (cannot exceed 2X large). It is also important to note that electronics may not contain any recording devices — such as phones — or any components that connect with cellular service providers. Finally, books/magazines should contain no provocative content or nudity.
For a complete list of prohibited items as well as restricted sizes for clothing and other items, ensure to check the TDCJ website prior to making your purchases in order to avoid potential consequences from contraband materials.
Make Payment
When sending a care package to an inmate, payment is typically required at the time of ordering. Payment options vary from package provider to package provider, but common payment methods include credit card, debit card, prepaid debit card and money order. Depending on the facility requirements, it may be necessary to use the account number of the facility where the inmate is located when you are making payment. Make sure you double-check that all necessary information has been provided in order to ensure that your package is delivered timely and correctly.
Delivery
Delivering care packages to inmates at Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facilities is a convenient way for family, friends and other loved ones to show their support.
When sending a care package, the sender must meet certain requirements set by TDCJ in order to ensure that inmates are provided with safe items. Care packages can be sent via mail or online delivery services such as UPS or FedEx.
For mail, the package must be sent using USPS Retail Ground (formerly Parcel Post). Care packages sent through online services with an invoice recipient name of “Prisoner” may be delivered directly to the facility; all other orders must be evaluated and approved by the Warden prior to delivery. Any item prohibited by TDCJ will not be accepted for delivery. These items include weapons, drugs and alcohol, among others.
When ordering a care package for an inmate from an online service, refer to TDCJ’s list of approved vendors before placing your order. Be sure to include the prisoner’s full name and 9-digit TDCJ ID number on any purchase order forms in order for delivery requests to be properly processed by the facility staff.
All packages shipped via USPS Retail Ground must include a completed Delivery Request form dated within 120 days prior to mailing and signed either by you or a legally responsible third party (for example: attorney at law). The form is available on TDCJ’s website and must list the prisoner’s full name, 9-digit TDCJ identification number and the exact contents of the package with weights indicated separately for each item that exceeds 12 ounces. If purchasing online with an invoice recipient name of “Prisoner” no additional forms are needed as long as payment is made through credit card or PayPal only; all orders made outside these methods will require written authorization from Warden before it can be delivered at their facility.
